The Chicago White Sox, fresh off the worst season in modern Major League Baseball history, fell just short of earning a new, positive entry into the record books on Tuesday. Shane Smith's start against the Minnesota Twins saw him notch 5 ⅔ innings of two-run ball against the Minnesota Twins in his big-league debut.

Once skies cleared in Chicago, the Minnesota Twins jumped on White Sox starter Sean Burke’s slider for a pair of home runs.

Sean Burke became just the seventh pitcher in the last 100 years to start on opening day with fewer than 20 career innings pitched in the majors. Burke showed the poise of a veteran when Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field could have gotten away from the Chicago White Sox early.

Starter Yusei Kikuchi gives up three runs in six innings in his Angels debut, but the offense manages just five hits and no runs until the ninth inning of an 8-1 loss Click to share on Facebook ...

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox host the Los Angeles Angels for the season opener. Chicago went 41-121 overall and 23-58 in home games a season ago. The White Sox pitching staff put up a 4.69 ...

The White Sox crushed the Angels 8-1 on Opening Day as rookie Sean Burke dazzled with six scoreless innings, signaling a fresh start for Chicago.

Charlotte Knights 9, Gwinnett Stripers 6 ( Gameday Box) ( Statcast Box) The Knights kept up their hot streak as they won their third game in a row to start the year, defeating the Gwinnett Stripers, 9-6. The offense has been clicking, the pitching has been solid, and the vibes have certainly been high since the start of the season.

For so many, being here is closer to a ritual than a choice. It's not that they want to support their historically bad team. They need to.